Which Head Unit?

vnp514

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We just got a 2006 4runner SR5. It's got the stock radio(am/fm and cd). I'd like to upgrade the head unit but I don't know anything about it. I'd like to keep the am/fm, it would be nice to load a couple of cd's if we're on a long trip and I'd sure like the unit to come with sat radio. The navigation feature, cell phone, I-Pod, etc. doesn't interest us. I think we'd probably upgrade the speakers too. Any help or pointers would be much appreciated!!

Pete
 
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There are a bunch of 4Runner owners who upgrade to Scion head units becuase they are plug and play and they have more wattage.

I'm considering upgrading too. I'm just trying to figure out what Scion model to go with.
 
sometimes when people upgrade the stereo, they also get bad radio reception due to the antennas ,unless its setup correctly, but for me pioneer has always been good, with fine fm reception. right now i have the supertuner 3 -avh-p4000dvd. not much $, & since it has more power than your stock HU, you may decide that you dont need an xtra amp. id imagine your speaker choice would depend on what the shop where you get it installed carries.
 
i think the scion units are made by pioneer, & they are a good upgrade

From what research I've done, the Scion HU are not plug and play if I have a JBL system?

I don't know what system I have. It's the stock HU-am/fm and single cd capability.

2006 SR5 4Runner

Owners manual is no help.

Thanks

Pete
 
You don't have JBL. If you did it would say it on the face plate of your stock H/U.

The Scion HU are an easy install. Complete install and reassembly is 30 - 40 min tops when doing it for the first time.

Scion HU are Pioneer. 160 watts. Very cheap to pickup at places like www.scionlife.com and impressive performance over our HU's.

Oh, and most (if not all) are SAT ready.
 
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it seems that you want mutiple cd loading stereo, id be careful of those.

Yes, you're right. Seems like a lot of folks have been having trouble with them. I think I'll stick with a single CD unit. Folks seem to like Scion units. Got some more research to do here it looks like.

Thanks!!

Pete
 
the scion units would be good in case your doing the install yourself, just plug & play, if not, & ur paying someone, (150-200 labor) why not just get an aftermarket ipod capable unit. the hu will then not only control but charge the ipod. you can load all ur cds to it , put it in the glove box & forget about.u can even get the remote that mounts on the steering wheel. thats what i did, & couldnt be happier. the speaker change might be a pain for u if youve never done it before.
 
the scion units would be good in case your doing the install yourself, just plug & play, if not, & ur paying someone, (150-200 labor) why not just get an aftermarket ipod capable unit. the hu will then not only control but charge the ipod. you can load all ur cds to it , put it in the glove box & forget about.u can even get the remote that mounts on the steering wheel. thats what i did, & couldnt be happier. the speaker change might be a pain for u if youve never done it before.

LOL! I was thinking the same thing too. When it comes to wires/electricity I think I'll let someone else do it. You still like your supertuner 3 -avh-p4000dvd? I'll take a look at them.

Thanks again for all the info!!

Pete
 
yes i still have it. it gets good fm reception, better than some other aftermarket units. excuse the sun glare, but this is with the ipod touch screen showing. (screen can be angled if need be)it has 55x4 watts per channel, which may be fine for u. although, i needed an xtra amp myself. ive had it for almost 2 years now.
001-1.jpg~original
 
yes i still have it. it gets good fm reception, better than some other aftermarket units. excuse the sun glare, but this is with the ipod touch screen showing. (screen can be angled if need be)it has 55x4 watts per channel, which may be fine for u. although, i needed an xtra amp myself. ive had it for almost 2 years now.
001-1.jpg~original

I do like the looks of that unit. I'm really not to up to snuff on these head units-will this one also be able to receive XM/Sirus radio? The AUX jack on the lower left of the unit is for???(IPOD maybe?). Did you have to install new speakers too? 55x4 watts per channel vs what does our stock head unit put out? Sorry about all the dumb questions!

Thanks again!!!

Pete
 
the ipod cable is connected to back of unit & goes to glove box, i never have to touch it since its controled at the dash or remote. i guess thats for head phones or somethind, i never use it. u can also use a cd changer mounted else where with it. it has xm, sirrus,.colors can be changed, etc.
002-2.jpg~original
 
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if you install this unit without an xtra amp, you wont need new speakers , the stock can handle this, mine did before i got my amps & such. unless of course the ones u have are blown or dont work. but if someone does the install for u, it can be cheaper if everything is done at the same time (unit & speakers) instead of 2 separete times, it depends on who does it & how u hagel with em. for the cost of around 225, to me it was worth it. of course, any xtra needed cables -ie. TV,CD CHANGER, XM, ETC.will cost ya . as u can see, its expandable, so you can do alot of things with it, no questions are dumb, ill answer if i can. dont forget , this is at least 2 years old, & there are newer & better models out now. dont get me wrong, im not trying to push this model on you, just something like it. believe me, it is nice to not have to fiddle with a bunch of cds, or mount a large changer somewhere. like i said, you can load thousands of songs (all ur cds) to a small ipod & put it in the little compartment over the glovebox or in the pop out storage under the radio, & forget about.
 
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You might also consider Kenwood models too...

I installed a Kenwood 5140 a few months back, it's a plug-n-play HU & works great with stock speakers. I liked the Kenwood a little better mainly becuase I prefer the Garmin NAV system.
 

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